WoW Forever timeline and roadmap
The beta runs 17 Sep 2026 to 21 Oct 2026, Forever launches on 4 Nov 2026, and the first two raids open on 9 Dec 2026. Hardcore follows in winter, and new raids, dungeons and a revamped iconic raid are planned for 2027.
Next up: Blizzard's live WoW Forever Q&A at 10:30am PDT (6:30pm BST). The beta opens for Epic Pack, Collection and Collector's Edition owners. (17 Sep 2026).
WoW Forever dates in order
- Official Blizzard's live WoW Forever Q&A at 10:30am PDT (6:30pm BST). The beta opens for Epic Pack, Collection and Collector's Edition owners.Blizzard live Q&A notice, 2026-09-15
- Reported Reported: the beta opens straight after the Q&A, capped at level 20 and rising to 30 after a couple of weeks.Independent report
- Official Invite-a-Friend codes begin distribution.Blizzard What's Next panel recap, 2026-09-13
- Official Beta ends.Blizzard What's Next panel recap, 2026-09-13
- Official Early name reservation opens (to 2026-11-03).Blizzard What's Next panel recap, 2026-09-13
- Official Global launch, 3:00 pm PT.Blizzard What's Next panel recap, 2026-09-13
- Official Barrow Deeps and Hyjal Summit open.Blizzard What's Next panel recap, 2026-09-13
- Reported Reported from the roadmap slide: Onyxia's Lair (40 players) also opens.Independent report
- Official Hardcore arrives after launch, in winter.Blizzard Forever panel videos, 2026-09-13
- Official New dungeons, raids, PvP updates and a revamped iconic raid.Blizzard Forever panel videos, 2026-09-13
- Reported Reported from the roadmap slide: two raids, two dungeons, a new zone, a Legendary questline and a PvP refresh.Independent report
- Reported Reported from the roadmap slide: a revamped iconic raid, a new raid, two dungeons, and profession and Legacy updates.Independent report
Raids, Hardcore and the 2027 roadmap, in detail
- Official Global launch November 4, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. PST. Beta runs September 17 to October 21, 2026. The first raids unlock December 9.Blizzard: What's Next Panel Recap · Blizzard: Pre-Purchase Upgrades
- Official Hardcore arrives after launch; death has lasting consequences. Hardcore progress can move to other rulesets one way only, and Hardcore is excluded from account-wide Collections and Legacy Points.Blizzard: Deep Dive Panel Recap
- Reported Developers said Hardcore arrives by winter.1 independent report
- Official Two launch raids unlock December 9: Barrow Deeps (10-player, max level) and Hyjal Summit (20-player).Blizzard: What's Next Panel Recap · plus 1 independent report
- Reported Roadmap: two more raids (10 and 20 player) in spring 2027, then a revamped iconic raid plus another new raid in summer 2027. Blizzard itself confirms a revamped iconic raid is coming.1 independent report
- Reported The roadmap slide shown at BlizzCon also lists Onyxia's Lair (40 players) for 9 December 2026. Blizzard's written recap does not mention it.1 independent report
- Reported The roadmap slide lists two raids, two dungeons, a new zone, a Legendary questline and a PvP refresh for spring 2027, then a revamped iconic raid, a new raid and two dungeons for summer 2027.1 independent report
- Reported Developers said Hardcore arrives in winter, after launch, with no exact date yet.1 independent report